A Broward County permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. Work must begin within that 180-day window and cannot be paused or abandoned for more than 90 days at a time, or the permit becomes null and void under the Florida Building Code, Broward County Amendment 105.3.2. If you need more time, you can request an extension before the permit expires, and the Building Official can grant up to two separate 90-day extensions.
How long is a Broward County Permit Good For?
A Broward County permit, including a demolition permit, remains active for 180 days from the date of issuance. To keep it valid, you need to:
- Start the permitted work within 180 days of issuance
- Keep the work moving without a gap of more than 90 days between inspections or active construction
If either of these conditions is not met, the permit expires and becomes null and void. This rule applies countywide and to most permit types issued, including demolition permits for residential and commercial properties.
What Happens If My Permit Expires?
Once a permit expires, the work it authorized is no longer legally covered. That means:
- Any demolition, construction, or site work done after expiration is technically unpermitted
- You may need to reapply for a new permit, which usually means new fees and a new review
- An expired permit can delay closings, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and final sign-off
- The property can be flagged for code enforcement if work continues without an active permit
For demolition projects specifically, an expired permit can stall a project right when debris removal, utility disconnects, or site grading needs to be inspected and closed out.
Can You Extend Or Renew a Broward County Permit?
Yes. Before your permit expires, you can request an extension from the Broward County Building Division. Key points:
- The Building Official can grant up to two separate 90 day extensions on the original permit.
- The extension request must be submitted before the current permit expires.
- Extensions and renewals typically come with additional fees.
- If the permit has already expired and the extension window has passed, you will likely need to apply for a brand new permit rather than renew the old one.
To request an extension, contact the Broward County Building Division directly or submit the official Building Permit Renewal/Extension Request form.
Why This Matters for Demolition Projects
Demolition permits in Broward County follow the same 180-day validity rule as other building permits. For a demolition job, “commencing work” usually means physically starting the demolition or related site activities (utility disconnects, asbestos abatement, fencing, etc.) within that window and keeping inspections and progress moving. Hence, the job is never inactive for more than 90 days.
If a property owner pulls a demolition permit but the project is delayed (due to financing, design changes, or issues with neighboring properties), the clock is still running.
A licensed demolition contractor who closely tracks permit status can help avoid the costs and delays of reapplication.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Broward County permit expire if I do not start work?
Yes. If work has not started within 180 days of the permit being issued, it expires and becomes void under the Florida Building Code, Broward County Amendment 105.3.2.
How many times can I extend a Broward County permit?
The Building Official can grant up to two separate 90 day extensions, as long as each request is made before the permit’s current expiration date.
What if my permit already expired and I missed the extension window?
You will generally need to apply for a new permit, which means a new application, a new review, and new fees.
Where do I request a permit extension in Broward County?
Contact the Broward County Building Division directly, or submit the Building Permit Renewal/Extension Request form available through their website.
Does this 180-day rule apply to demolition permits, too?
Yes. Demolition permits are subject to the same 180-day validity and 90-day inactivity rules as other Broward County building permits.
Need help managing your Broward County demolition permit?
Permit timelines move fast, and missing the 180-day window can stall your entire project. Florida Demolition Experts handles the permitting process for you, from application to final inspection, so your demolition stays on schedule and on the right side of Broward County code.
